Ratchet mechanism



E. M. PFAUSER ET AL Oct. 16, 1951 RATCHET MECHANISM 2 SHEETSSHEET 1 Filed May 6, 1948 Oct. 16, 1951 E. M. PFAUSER ET AL RATCI-IET MECHANISM 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed May 6, 1948 INVENTORS MWX MW Patented Oct. 16, 1951 RATCHET MECHANISM Edward M. Pfauser, Elm Grove, and Siegmund Mandi, Milwaukee, Wis., assignors to Blackhawk Mfg. 00., Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application May 6, 1948, Serial No. 25,354

The present invention relates generally to improvements in ratchet assemblages, and relates more specifically to improvements in the construction and operation of reversible ratchet mechanisms especially adapted for use in imparting step-by-step rotation from an oscillatory handle to a tool or other machine element.

As shown and described in our prior Patent No. 1,995,009, granted March 19, 1935, we have heretofore provided a relatively compact and efiicient reversible ratchet mechanismcomprising a shank or lug adapted to be detachably but drivingly associated with a wrench socket or the like, a manipulating handle having a rigid head or body surrounding the lug and provided with an annular series of internal ratchet teeth, one or more spring pressed dogs slidably ooacting with the lug and being reversibly cooperable with the teeth, and means for shifting the dogs to effect reversal of the operative engagement between the dogs and the ratchet teeth. While these prior ratchet assemblages were quite satisfactory and successful in operation, they were relatively complicated and difiicult to manufacture with suficient accuracy and strength in small sizes, and they were also rather awkward to reverse and to assemble and dismantle.

It is therefore a primary object of our present invention to provide improved ratchet mechanism of the same general type as that shown in our prior patent, but which obviates all of the above mentioned specific objections.

Another important object, of this invention is to provide an improved ratchet asemblage which is composed of relatively few sturdy parts which may be readily assembled, manipulated during normal use, or dismantled for inspection.

A further important object of the invention is to provide an improved ratchet adapted to be durably and accurately constructed in large or small sizes, and wherein the various parts are amply protected against damage due to abuse.

Still another important object of our invention is to provide an improved reversible ratchet mechanism which may be conveniently manufactured in various sizes and for diverse uses at moderate cost, and which may be quickly and easily adjusted for reverse operation.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a simple and compact ratchet assemblage all parts of which may be constructed in quantity so as to make them interchangeable with like parts and thus facilitating repairs resulting from prolonged use or abuse.

These and other objects and advantages of 3 Claims. (CI. 19.2-43.2)

2 the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

A clear conception of the several improved features and of a typical embodiment thereof in a ratchet assemblage, may be had by referring to the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate the same or similar parts in the various views.

Fig. 1 is a part-sectional side elevation of a typical ratchet mechanism especially adapted to impart step-by-step rotation in either direction from a manipulating handle to a wrench socket through a driving lug, the section having been taken centrally through the assemblage;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the same mechanism, the section having been taken transversely through the assemblage along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is another fragmentary sectional view of the typical ratchet, the section having been taken transversely through the assemblage along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is still another fragmentary sectional view of the improved ratchet assembly showing the dogs in neutral or inactive position, and the section having been taken transversely along the line 44 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an additional fragmentary sectional view of the same ratchet mechanism, this section having been taken transversely through the lug along the line 55 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the improved driving'lug alone and removed from the assemblage;

Fig. 7 is a front elevation of the improved power transmitting lug alone; and

Fig. 8 is an inside elevation of one of the improved ratchet dogs, removed from the mechanism, the view being taken in the direction of the arrows 88 of Fig. 1..

While we have shown and described the invention as being especially adapted for application to manually manipulatable wrench socket driving ratchet assemblages, it is not our intention to unnecessarily restrict the utility of the improved features by virtue of this limited disclosure; and it is also contemplated that specific description terms used herein be given the broadest possible interpretation.

Referring to the drawing, the improved reversible ratchet mechanism shown, comprises in general a unitary or one-piece shank member or lug Ii] having parallel transverse guide recesses ll therein on the opposite sides of its central axis; a manipulating member or handle l2 hav- 3 ing an integral head I3 surrounding the recessed portion of the lug IO and provided with an annular series of internal teeth I4 revolvable about the head axis; a grip element or dog I5 slidable along each head recess II and being cooperable with the adjacent teeth I4; a composite longitudinally expansible toggle strut I6 coacting with central semi-spherical sockets II formed in the two dogs I5; a shift plate I8 rotatably adjustable about the head axis and having integral lugs I9 coacting with notches 28 formed in the adjacent ends of the dogs I5; and a button disc 21 slidably but non-rotatably mounted coaxially of the handle head I3, and having an annularseries of serrations 22 cooperable with a similar series of serrations 23 formed on the shift plate The unitary lug member I6 is preferably constructed of a single cylindrical piece of durable metal having the parallel recesses II each bounded by four side surfaces andcarefully milled in the opposite partially open sides thereof as best illustrated in Figs. 1, 4, 6 and- Z; andthis one-piece lug Iii has an integral wrench socket receiving shank 25 at one-end, an integral outwardly projecting flange 26 near the. shank 25 at one end of the recesses H, and a pair of arouate open slots 21 communicating withthe opposite ends of the recesses H, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. The lug Iii is also-provided with a central transverse through opening 28 connecting the spaced recesses II and through which the toggle strut It extends, and moreover has an axial end depression 29 therein between the slots 27, while the shank 25 is provided with an ordinary spring pressed plunger 38 for effecting detachable frictional attachment of the wrench sockets or other tools thereto. The outer surface of the lug Hi adjacent to the recesses II is cylindrical and or such diameter that it willsnuglyfit but will revolvefreely Within the annular series of teeth- I4, and all bearing surfaces of this lug are ac-- curately machined and finished. 7

The manipulating handle-member I2 besides having the. annular internally toothed head 63 formed integral therewith, may be provided atits swinging end with a bore 3| for the reception of a rod handle extension, and with another spring pressed. plunger 32' for effecting detachable frictional attachment of a tubular handle extension thereto. This handle I2 is also formed of durable metal andis bored to rotatably fit the lug fiange 26 and the outer cylindrical surface of the lug I!) beyond. the teeth I4; and the assembled lug. II] with the dogs. I5. and toggle strut. I6

applied thereto, may be inserted within the head bore and firmly but detachably confined therein by means of aspecial snap ring 33 coacting withan annular internal groove 3.4 formed in the head I 3, and having ring contracting eyes 35 at the opposite ends thereof, as depicted in Figs. 1 and 5. The handle head is also machined for sliding reception of the button disc 2|, but does not coact with the shift plate I8 which is carried solely by the lug I0, and the annular internal teeth I4 should be accurately machined and equally spaced so as to provid a series completely surrounding the lug ID at the zone of action of the dogs I5.

The two dogs I5 all four sides of each of which are slidably confined within each of the head recesses II, are formed of wear resistant metal and are of interchangeably similar construction,

being of elongated rectangular construction asshown in Fig. 8 in order to, afford maximum 4 gripping action. These dogs I5 are constantly urged outwardly away from the central axis of the lug I0 and from each other, by the composite resilient strut IE which, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4, is composed of a rod plunger 31 coacting with the spherical socket 11 of one dog I5, a sleeve plunger 38 coacting with the spherical socket I! of the other dog I5 and telescoping over the rod plunger 31, and a compression spring 39 interposed between the telescopically coacting plungers 31, 38. When the dogs [5 are in neutral or inactive position a in Figs. 3 and 4, the spring 39 will merely urge these dogs directly away from each other perpendicular to and directly against the outermost surfaces of the recesses II, but if the dogs are shifted slightly in either direction away from neutral position, then the strut it expands and the spring 39 urges the displaced dogs along their respective confining recesse in opposite directions, until the dogs engage and are arrested by the adj acent teeth I 4.

The shift plate I8 which is journalled for-rotation in the end of the lug I0 remote from the flange 26, is ring-shaped, and the integral lugs I9 of this plate :8 extend from one side of thisplate through the arcuate slots 21 of the lug andproject well into the notches 20 of the adjacentdogs I5, as clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3. The annular series of radial teeth or serrations 23 formed on the opposite side of the plate I8, are engageable with the serrations 22 formed on the button disc 2|; and this disc is slidable in the head I3 toward and away from the plate I8 but is prevented from rotating relative to the head I3 by a fiat sided button projection ll slid-- ably engaging a similarly shaped hole formed in the unitary head I3.. This button projection 4I is located centrally within a concavity 42 formed in the head I3 so as not to extend outwardly .beyond the latter, and the button disc 2I i constantly urged away from the shift plate I8" by a-helical compression spring .43 one end of which is confined within the lug depression 29 and the opposite end of which is likewise confined within the button projection. 41

When the various parts ofthe improved ratchet mechanism have been accurately constructed asabove described, they may be readily assembled by first inserting the button disc 2| and spring 43 Within the head l3. through the open end of the latter; by thereafter assembling the lug l5, shift plate I8, strut I6, and dogs I5 and inserting this subassemblage within the head I3; and by finally applying the snap ring 33 to the internal groove 34- of the head I3. After the mechanism has been thus assembled, if the various parts are in the position shown in the drawings then the lug I I] may be rotated freely in either direction within the head I3 andthe dogs I5 will be inactive.

23 of the shift plate I8, and the lug H3 is subsequently rotated relative to the head 13 by applying twisting motion to the shank 25, then thetoggle strut 3- will become effective to shift the dogs I5. in opposite directions within their guiding recesses II and will throw these dogs into engagement with diametrically opposite teeth I4 1 of the annular series.

With the dogs I5 thus shifted, subsequent oscillation of the handle I2 will cause these dogs to be resolved step-by-step in one direction about the central axis of the head I3, thus producing step- 1 by-steprotationof the shank 25in thesa-me pre- However, when the button projection 41 is pressed so as to cause the serrations 22 of the disc 2| to engage the serrations selected direction. In order to reverse this predetermined direction of rotation of the lug l0, it is only necessary to reverse the direction of relative rotation of the head I3 and lug i while the button projection 4| is being pressed while shifting the dogs I5, but the oscillating motion of the handle 12 remains the same regardless of the setting of the plate I8 and dogs l5. The expansible toggle strut IE will function to always shift and resiliently urge the dogs l in opposite directions within their respective guide recesses II when these dogs have been thrown in either direction out of neutral position, and the tooth engaging edges of the dogs I5 are so formed that they will drivingly engage the adjacent symmetrical V-shaped teeth M in only one direction of rotation and will ratchet over these teeth in the opposite direction.

From the foregoing detailed description of the construction and operation of the typical ratchet mechanism shown, it will be apparent that our present invention provides an improved reversible ratchet assemblage which besides being simple, compact, and durable in construction, is also highly efficient in operation and flexible in its adaptations. The unitary or one-piece construction of the lug Ill out of a solid piece of metal not only reduces the number of parts to a minimum, but also permits these mechanisms to be durably manufactured in small sizes and eliminates undesirable looseness in the dog guides. The onepiece formation of the handle I2 and head 13 with closed end also provides great strength while effectively protecting the working Darts against possible damage due to rough handling of the tool, and the button projection 4| is protectively confined within the concavity 42 of the integral head end flange while the latter cooperates with the flange 26- and snap ring 33 to maintain the button disc 2| and the lug II] in proper position within the head 13. By virtue of the sealed enclosure of all of the working parts of the improved ratchet mechanism, these parts may be maintained well lubricated and free from entry of dust and grit; and the smooth external surfaces of the enclosure besides improving the aesthetic appearance of the tool, also makes it possible to easily wipe these surfaces so as to keep them in clean condition. The snap ring 33 moreover facilitates assembly and dismantling of the parts without resorting to the use of special tools, while the positive reverse is easily operable, and the improved mechanism has proven highly satisfactory and successful in actual use.

It should be understood that it is not desired to limit this invention to the exact details of construction and operation of the typical ratchet mechanism, herein specifically shown and described, for various modifications within the scope of the appended claims may occur to persons skilled in the art.

We claim:

1. A ratchet mechanism comprising, a onepiece hollow head swingable about its central axis and having an annular series of integral internal teeth surrounding said axis, one end of said head being entirely open while its opposite end is provided with an integral inwardly directed flange forming a restricted central opening, a one-piece cylindrical lug journalled for rotation about said axis within said tooth series and having a work propelling shank remote from said flange projecting from said open head end, said one-piece lug also having therein a pair of parallel tangential recesses each having rectangular cross-section bounded-at all four corners by integral lug surfaces and said recesses being disposed within said tooth series on opposite sides of said axis and being connected by a medial passage, a dog slidably coacting with all of said four corner surfaces of each of said recesses, each dog being alternately engageable with said teeth through the opposite ends of its confining recess, a toggle strut extending through said medial passage and being swingable relative to said axis from one limiting radial position to another to urge said dogs in opposite directions, a shift plate confined between said head flange and said lug and being cooperable with said dogs, a single actuating button for said shift plate extendingfthrough said flange opening in axial alinement with said lug for swinging said strut from one limiting position to the other, and resilient means interposed between said lug and said button for constantly urging the latter into inactive position.

2. A ratchet mechanism comprising, a onepiece hollow head swingable about its central axis and having an annular series of integral internal teeth surrounding said axis, one end of said head being entirely open while its opposite end is provided with an integral inwardly directed flange forming a restricted central opening, a one-piece cylindrical lug journalled for rotation about said axis within said tooth series and having a work propelling shank remote from said flange projecting from said open head end, said one-piece lug also having therein a pair of parallel tangential recesses each having rectanular cross-section bounded at all four corners by integral lug surfaces and said recesses being disposed within said tooth series on opposite sides of said axis and being connected by a medial passage, a dog slidably coacting with all of said four corner surfaces of each of said recesses, each dog being alternately engageable with said teeth through the opposite ends of its confining recess, a toggle strut extending through said medial passage and being swingable relative to said axis from one limiting radial position to another to urge said dogs in opposite directions, a normally freely rotatable shift plate journalled in said head between said head flange and said lug and having dog engaging fingers on one side and serrations on its opposite side, and a single actuating button for said shift plate extending through said flange opening in axial alinement with said lug and having serrations cooperable with said plate serrations to swing said strut from one limiting position to the other.

3. A ratchet mechanism comprising, a onepiece hollow head swingable about its central axis and having an annular series of integral internal teeth surrounding said axis, one end of said head being entirely open while its opposite end is provided with an integral inwardly directed flange forming a restricted central opening surrounded by an external concavity, a one-piece cylindrical lug journalled for rotation about said axis within said tooth series and having a work propelling shank remote from said flange projecting from said open head end, said one-piece lug also having therein a pair of parallel tangential recesses each having rectangular cross-section bounded at all four corners by integral lug surfaces and the recesses being disposed within said alternately engageable with said teeth through the opposite ends of its confining recess, a toggle strut extending through said medial passage and being swingable relative to said axis from one limiting radial position to another to urge said dogs in opposite directions, a shift'plateconfined between said head flange and said lug and having dog engaging fingers on one side and serrations on the opposite side, and a single actuating button for said shift plate extending through said flange opening in axial alinement with said lug and having serrations cooperable with said plate serrations to swing said strut from one limiting position to the other, said button being constantl'y disposed within said concavity.

EDWARD M. PFAUSER. SIEGMUND MANDL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

